ST. PAUL -- Fastenal's ability to grow its international markets made it one of several businesses honored Tuesday during an award ceremony at the Minnesota Capitol.
"International trade supports thousands of Minnesota jobs and communities across our state," said Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon in a statement from the Minnesota Trade Office. "The entrepreneurial spirit of these companies will help Minnesota's economy build on the more than 130,000 jobs created since 2011."
Fastenal was selected for its ability to grow a significant part of its business in foreign markets, for increasing or maintaining jobs in Minnesota to support international sales, and for developing novel approaches for competing globally. Fastenal has more than 10,000 employees and 2,700 stores worldwide and has recently seen some of its biggest growth coming from overseas markets like Mexico.
"We are pleased to recognize the outstanding achievements of these Minnesota exporters and the positive economic impact that exporting companies, both large and small, are making in communities throughout the state," said Kathleen Motzenbecker, executive director of the trade office, in a statement. "We applaud them for their global vision, hard work and creativity in tackling new international markets."